Two Chinese construction giants, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CGCOC Group Co. Ltd., have formally initiated the “Light Up Abuja” solar lighting initiative in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), signaling a new chapter in smart, sustainable infrastructure.
The project will install advanced hybrid solar streetlights across key districts and expressways in Abuja, integrating resilience features to address common challenges like vandalism and grid unreliability. A standout feature: surveillance modules embedded in the lights, linking to a central control room to boost security and oversight.
At the launch, FCTA Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized that this is more than lighting; it’s about safety, urban livability, and restoring functionality to city infrastructure. He noted many existing streetlights in Abuja had failed due to neglect.
From the firms’ side, Guan Shuai, Managing Director of CCECC Nigeria, remarked that this will be a comprehensive solution, delivering streetlight systems rather than standalone fixtures and tackling deeper issues of power and reliability.
The project is slated for completion in six to seven months, aligning with Abuja’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 2026. Under the contract, CCECC and CGCOC will maintain the systems for four to five years post-installation.
Once operational, the solar lighting network is expected to transform Abuja’s nightscape, improve security, reduce maintenance costs, and reflect Nigeria’s push toward sustainable urban development.
